Charlotte FC extended their home unbeaten streak to 13 matches in MLS play with a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC.
Charlotte had a few misses early in the match, multiple missing just to the left before a breakthrough in the 39th minute when Enzo Copetti won a header near the box with Kerwin Vargas taking the shot and scoring the first goal of the match.
Una conexión de CRACKS ?#PorLaCorona pic.twitter.com/BCYXJKabR2
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) April 14, 2024
After a going into the half up 1-0, Charlotte’s lead didn’t last long. Toronto evened the score with a 49th minute goal from Prince Owusu.
Charlotte appeared to retake the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Liel Abada after Ashley Westwood found him in the box from a free kick, but the goal was called off due to a foul from Bill Tuiloma. Abada got another chance to score his first goal for Charlotte in the 70th minute after an errant pass from Toronto led to him with a defender on his left and just the keeper to beat. Abada went far post and recorded his first MLS goal to put Charrlotte up 2-1.
Right place. Right time. Right finish.
Liel Abada's first @MLS goal is in the books ✅#ForTheCrown https://t.co/Mdt9XYMk9k pic.twitter.com/IGZ96nwdWU
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) April 14, 2024
Charlotte’s 2-1 lead did not last long as Owusu scored his second goal of the match in the 78th minute.
It seemed that Charlotte would again drop points after allowing a late goal. After Toronto’s second goal, Charlotte subbed on Patrick Agyemang who would go on to score the game winning goal in the 85th minute assisted by Brecht Dejaegere.
They are calling for goals and Pat is STILL picking up ?#ForTheCrown https://t.co/ZQxLUp9aMO pic.twitter.com/tckC6cehcU
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) April 14, 2024
Charlotte had a chance to add to their lead in the final minute of stoppage time when Agyemang was fouled and taken to the ground Kevin Long with just the keeper to beat. Long was given a second yellow card and sent off. Jere Uronen took the free kick from just outside the box for Charlotte and had his shot saved with the game ended following the save.
Charlotte FC had been struggling with finishing leading up to this match, their three goals in the match marks their season high and just the second time they have scored more than one goal this season. Agyemang’s winner was his second goal of the season, making him Charlotte’s first player this season to score multiple goals.
Charlotte faced nine shots from Toronto, four of which were on target. Both of Toronto’s goals were off of passes that made their way through the defense to Owusu for him to tap into the goal.
In his first home start, Abada scored his first goal was named man of the match as well as being named to the MLS Team of the Matchday on the bench.
Charlotte FC’s next match will be at home against Minnesota United on Sunday, April 21. The match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. EST will be available to watch on Apple TV, FS1 and FOX Deportes.
